5 Misleading Food Labels You Keep Falling For

FOOD |
July 11, 2017

1 / 51. “Organic”

Photo: dbreen/Pixabay

It’s kind of a mixed bag when it comes to organic produce. On one hand it’s free of harmful chemicals, preservatives and additives that can really do a number on our body. On the other, the body can’t really distinguish the difference between organic and non-organic foods, at least to a clinically significant degree. Organic sugar is still sugar and will be treated by the body as such.

This one really gets my goat due to the fact that the term “all-natural” means absolutely nothing at all. Not only is there a total absense of meaningful regulation, it’s also downright misleading. Freshly laid poop is completely natural but you wouldn’t put it in your salad, would you? The fact is that an “all-natural” product can be very similar in terms of nutrition to its regular counterpart. The fault doesn’t solely lie in what constitutes the product; the end product itself matters just as much.

If you’re looking to eliminate the effects of sugar from your body, using non-nutritive sweetners can be helpful. From a behavioural standpoint however, sugar-free products do nothing to wean you off the sweet tooth that’s already wrecking havoc on your life. If you’re trying to kick the sweet habit, then lay off the sweet stuff.

Lower calorie food options have their time and place, their purpose being best served when calorie restriction is required, not desired. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you. Take a look at the ingredients label and I wouldn’t be surprised if you mind a list of chemicals that sound like they belong in a chemistry lab. Plus the reduction of calories is often accompanied by a likewise reduction in nutrients.

The only groups of people who truly benefit from eating gluten-free food are people with coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. Gluten-free bread isn’t going to magically improve your blood sugar levels or cure diabetes even if you eat them by the boatload.

1. “Organic”
Photo: dbreen/Pixabay
It’s kind of a mixed bag when it comes to organic produce. On one hand it’s free of harmful chemicals, preservatives and additives that can really do a number on our body. On the other, the body can’t really distinguish the difference between organic and non-organic foods, at least to a clinically significant degree. Organic sugar is still sugar and will be treated by the body as such.
2. “All-natural”
Photo: jackmac34/Pixabay
This one really gets my goat due to the fact that the term “all-natural” means absolutely nothing at all. Not only is there a total absense of meaningful regulation, it’s also downright misleading. Freshly laid poop is completely natural but you wouldn’t put it in your salad, would you? The fact is that an “all-natural” product can be very similar in terms of nutrition to its regular counterpart. The fault doesn’t solely lie in what constitutes the product; the end product itself matters just as much.
3. “Sugar-free”
Photo: Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay
If you’re looking to eliminate the effects of sugar from your body, using non-nutritive sweetners can be helpful. From a behavioural standpoint however, sugar-free products do nothing to wean you off the sweet tooth that’s already wrecking havoc on your life. If you’re trying to kick the sweet habit, then lay off the sweet stuff.
4. “Low-calorie”
Photo: Pexels/Pixabay
Lower calorie food options have their time and place, their purpose being best served when calorie restriction is required, not desired. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you. Take a look at the ingredients label and I wouldn’t be surprised if you mind a list of chemicals that sound like they belong in a chemistry lab. Plus the reduction of calories is often accompanied by a likewise reduction in nutrients.
5. “Gluten-free”
Photo: dubajio/Pixabay
The only groups of people who truly benefit from eating gluten-free food are people with coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. Gluten-free bread isn’t going to magically improve your blood sugar levels or cure diabetes even if you eat them by the boatload.